The How To's of Prayer Ministry

8.4 The Heart of an Intercessor

Ezekiel 13:5 You have not gone up into the gaps to build a wall for the house of Israel, to stand in battle on the day of the Lord.

To compel others to come to obedience to the Lord.
2 Chronicles 24:19 Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them back to the Lord; and they testified against them, but they would not listen.

The Gift is to empower the saints, not control them.
(v12) for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry,

The Gift is given to encourage the Body, not beat it up.
The shepherd feeds and leads the sheep, the butcher drives the sheep.
(v12) for the edifying of the body of Christ.
Acts 15:32 Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also exhorted the brethren with many words and strengthened them.
R The Gift is given to create the atmosphere conducive for the Holy Spirit to do His work, not hinder His work.
(v13) till we all come to the unity of the faith

The Gift is given to mentor and teach the Body of Christ to reach their full potential in Christ. That the world may also come to know Him.
(v13) and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ..

What does the Father search for in an intercessor?
Isaiah 66:2b But on one will I look on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.

Isaiah 57:15a For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in a high and holy place with him who has a contrite and humble spirit,

Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Luke 1:70 As He spoke by the mouth of His Holy prophets